Japanese Intermediate (full syllabus)

Learn to navigate across more complex scenarios and to communicate using sophisticated language with our year-long intermediate course (Year 4).

In these Japanese intermediate lessons we’ll teach you how to express thoughts, feelings and opinions, as well as offering advice to others. You’ll also learn to be more detailed when talking about your family, your trips or experiences.

Throughout the year you’ll learn 300 new kanji characters and spend time practising this writing on traditional Japanese manuscript paper.

Exploring the culture is an important part of learning, you’ll be required to read extracts from books and watch anime films in your own time and discuss these in class, with the aim of understanding Japanese media without relying on English subtitles.

Over the 30 weeks, you’ll be working towards JLPT N3. At the end of the course you’ll have the option of sitting a mock test, to determine whether you’ve reached this level.

Who is it for?

To enrol on Japanese Intermediate (Year 4), you should be competent at communicating in Japanese at JLPT N4 level. Alternatively, you have completed our lower intermediate syllabus or studied formally elsewhere for around 180 hours. Find further detail in the eligibility section.

Timetable

The course includes 60 hours of learning and is taught across three terms, starting in October and finishing in July.

October – December (Part 1)

One evening per week (two-hour lessons) for 10 consecutive weeks.

Christmas Break

January – March (Part 2)

One evening per week (two-hour lessons) for 10 consecutive weeks.

Easter Break

April/May – July (Part 3)

One evening per week (two-hour lessons) for 10 consecutive weeks.

Benefits

• Benefit from our lowest rates by enrolling on the full three-part syllabus, rather than paying for each module separately
• Take a huge leap forward in your communication abilities
• Feel supported by our trained native Japanese tutor and build friendships within our small and friendly classes
• Explore Japanese culture, modern trends and historic customs

• NってN
  山田さんって人知ってる？
  Do you know the person called Yamada?
• ～として
  英語の先生として日本に来ました。
  I came to Japan as an English teacher.
• ～わけです
  暑いわけだ。気温が36度もある。
  No wonder it feels so hot, it's 36 degrees (Celsius) outside.
• ～しかない
  電車もバスも止まってしまったから、歩くしかない。
  Since the train and bus are not working, there is no choice but to walk.
• ～を始め
  東京を始め全国に店を展開したいです。
  Starting with Tokyo, I want to open stores across the entire country.
• ～ということです
  試験の結果は95％、つまり合格ということだ。
  Your test score was 95%. In other words, you passed.
• ～ほど
  びっくりするほど声が大きかった。
  His voice was loud to the extent that I was surprised.
• つい～てしまう
  ダイエット中なのに、レストランでついデザートを食べてしまった。
  Although I am on a diet, I ate dessert at the restaurant without thinking.
• ～べき
  お客様と話したら敬語を使うべきです。
  You should use keigo when speaking with a customer.
• ～っけ
  ジョンが見たい映画は来週出るんだっけ？
  The movie that Jon wants to see is coming out next week, right?

You will be awarded an official City St George’s, University of London certificate on completion of the course if you attend over 70 per cent of the classes. The course is not formally accredited.

Assessment

If you choose to, at the end of the course you may sit a mock test based on JLPT N3.

Your tutor will give regular feedback to help your development towards JLPT N3 level. You will be required to complete around two hours of homework each week.

Teaching

This course will be a sizeable step up from your previous learning and will require a significant amount of independent study, outside of the classroom. However, the time you invest will be amply rewarded with the improvement you’ll see in your Japanese.

You’ll give short presentations on particular topics and express your opinions on subjects that matter to you. Group learning is important too – you’ll write a simple essay each week and read this out in class, sharing with the group so everyone can feedback and learn.

It is the right level if you have either:

• completed our Lower Intermediate (year 3) syllabus, or equivalent
• studied formally for 180 hours (plus independent study)
• JLPT N4 level.

Your tutor, Taka, may suggest a short interview prior to enrolment, to assess your level.

You should already be able to:

• talk about someone’s physical features and personality
• talk about what others have done
• express gratitude
• ask someone to convey a message on your behalf
• talk about imminent actions
• visit a hairdresser and asking for a particular style from a photo.

Check out the other Japanese courses we have.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.